Reflection is one of the most underused yet powerful tools for success.” Richard Carlson

I’m writing this article late December and it’s about the time that many of us start to project into the next year and kind of write off the remainder of the year. I facilitated a vision board workshop earlier in the month and started to create my 2020 board. Before I get too future-thinking, I’m going to take a step back and look at the current year. What did I learn? Where did I have breakthroughs? What did I accomplish? Where did I play small? What do I have left to do? There is a format I like using for this reflection piece. I have to give a shoutout to one of my online mentors, Marie Forleo. She has a “year in review” three question prompt which is I love:

1. What’s one thing you did that you’re proud of?
2. What’s one mistake you made and the lesson you learned?
3. What’s one limiting story you’re ready to let go of before the New Year?

I highly encourage you to pause and take time to reflect before jumping into next year’s goals. Answer these three questions. No one is going to see them unless you share it. Take inventory now. We often don’t take time to celebrate our accomplishments. We tend to be opportunity focused and just look for places we can improve. Why not train your brain to “see the good” as well? If you need help with that, I have a hack for you! I’ll share it in a moment.

On Marie’s website, Marieforleo.com she also has a “decade in review” three-part series. I’m going to do that too. You should go and check it out.

Decade In Review Part 1: Celebrate Your Wins
Decade In Review Part 2: Release Your Past
Decade In Review Part 3: Create Your 10 Year Plan

Happy Hack – Seeing the Good: At the beginning of the year, start a memory jar. Take a mason jar and fill it with dated notes of the good things that happened to you throughout the year. Nothing is too big or too small. If it made you smile, made you pause, made you cry, write it down and put it in the jar. By the end of the year, you’ll have lots to cherish. Try it!

If you need help doing any of this, just reach out! Send me an email clarissa@clarissastudio.com

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” Margaret J. Wheatley